'Hostage crisis a lesson for Malaysia'

Inspector-General of Police Tan Sri Khalid Abu Bakar

KUALA LUMPUR - The hostage crisis in Sydney is a lesson for Malaysia to always be on high alert for any terror threat, says Tan Sri Khalid Abu Bakar.

The Inspector-General of Police said Bukit Aman, especially the Special Branch's Counter Terrorism Division, was always prepared for any outcome, given the threats of the terror group Islamic State.

"We should heed the lesson of the situation in Sydney," he said after the launch of the seminar for police department directors and police chiefs here yesterday.

"At this time, there are no plans to expand the Counter Terrorism Division as it is sufficient to deal with terror threats," Khalid said.

He reiterated that cops "needed extra tools", especially the proposed anti-terrorism law, expected to be tabled in Parliament in March.

"We need these to deal with Malaysian militants, who returned home after fighting in countries such as Syria.

Home Minister Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi, who launched the seminar, said the Counter Terrorism Division, which was monitoring militant threats, was also cooperating with law enforcement agencies from other countries.

"We will not compromise on any individual or organisation directly or indirectly involved with terror groups," he said.

On the proposed anti-terror law, Dr Ahmad Zahid said the ministry was in the midst of gathering feedback from various parties, including legal practitioners and non-governmental organisations, that focused on crime prevention.

"The Legal Division is preparing a draft that will be discussed in detail with the A-G's Chambers before we present it to the Cabinet.